Can You Still Drive When the Oil Life is 0?
4 Answers
When the oil life reaches 0, it is not recommended to continue driving. Here is some extended information about oil life: 1. The vehicle's computer alerts you about oil life based on preset mileage. 2. If the oil life displays as 0, check whether it is due to a data error caused by not resetting after an oil change or prolonged disuse of the oil. 3. Engine oil has a shelf life and cannot be used indefinitely. The shelf life of oil depends on its condition. Unopened engine oil can last up to five years; leftover oil after a car service, being opened, has a shortened shelf life of about one year; oil already poured into the engine has the shortest shelf life, approximately six months. 4. While checking the car's oil, you can use an oil inspection filter paper to test if the oil has deteriorated. By dripping oil onto the filter paper, three important ring-shaped areas can be observed: the deposit ring, the diffusion ring, and the outer oil ring, which indicate the oil's contamination level, the dispersing ability of additives against contaminants, and the oil's oxidation level.
I've been driving for over 20 years, and when the oil life indicator shows 0%, it's a serious issue that absolutely cannot be ignored. When I was younger, I neglected it once, resulting in insufficient engine lubrication and severe piston wear. The repair cost me over 8,000 yuan, which was heartbreaking. Aged oil has poor lubrication, increased friction, and can cause rapid damage to engine components. If you must drive a short distance, such as to a nearby auto repair shop, drive at low speeds, not exceeding 60 km/h, and avoid climbing hills or carrying heavy loads. However, this is not a long-term solution. Immediately find a professional shop to change the oil, and while you're at it, check the filter and oil pan. Develop a habit of changing the oil every 5,000 kilometers or every six months, and regularly check the dipstick. If the oil is dark or the viscosity has deteriorated, it's time to take action. Spending a little on car maintenance can save you from major repair costs and give you peace of mind while driving.
As a car owner born in the 90s, I find the oil monitoring system quite accurate. Once it reaches 0%, the oil has already oxidized and lost its effectiveness. Engine oil primarily reduces internal friction and dissipates heat in the engine. If not changed in time, parts wear out quickly, potentially causing bearing damage or engine overheating and stalling. It's fine for short city trips, but avoid driving too fast or going on long distances. I use a mobile app to set reminders for oil changes every 8,000 kilometers to avoid oversight. It's advisable to choose full synthetic oil as it lasts longer. If the display shows 0%, directly book an online doorstep oil change service. Many platforms now offer this convenience, saving time and ensuring safety. Never delay until the engine is damaged.
Do not drive when the oil life reaches 0%, especially on highways. The oil will no longer function, leading to carbon buildup and wear inside the engine. Prolonged driving under such conditions will drastically reduce engine performance and may cause abnormal noises. If you must drive a short distance, such as to a repair shop, maintain a steady speed below 40 mph and avoid sudden braking. Immediately call your trusted auto repair shop for an oil change and have them check the oil level and quality. Regular maintenance can prevent such issues in advance.
